THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION

A Journal Reading Presented to

In Partial Fulfillment Of
the requirements for

NCM117
Care of Clients with Maladaptive Patterns of Behaviour

By

Laurence Nathaniel L. Figura

Journal Reading #7 / March 6, 2026

Students and Patients”

by: Alaa Mohammed AlMarzooq, Myra Cusi Britiller, Eman M Gaber Hassan,

Nisha Mathu Sivapalan, Ruby Abraham Anna, & Alaa Hani AlMarzooq (2024)

Summary

A fundamental component of nursing, therapeutic communication is essential for

building strong nurse-patient relationships, raising patient satisfaction, and eventually

improving patient outcomes in a variety of healthcare settings. It entails a deliberate,

planned interaction that goes beyond a simple information exchange to foster empathy

and support in order to identify and address the patient's health issues. Since nursing

students need extensive training to use therapeutic communication in their clinical

practice, the significance of this ability is especially highlighted in educational settings.

AlMarzooq et al.'s recent study from 2024 evaluated nursing students' and patients'

therapeutic communication abilities and obstacles. The purpose of this cross-sectional

descriptive study was to determine how well students in a nursing program at levels 4

through 8 currently communicate. The researchers emphasized that effective

communication between nurses and patients has long been acknowledged as a crucial

component of nursing care. Despite its importance, there are still difficulties in putting

these skills into practice, frequently as a result of insufficient training or obstacles in the

clinical setting. The results of the study reinforce the importance of therapeutic

communication in safe and comprehensive patient care by helping to identify areas where

interventions are most needed to enhance nursing students' proficiency in this area.

This study utilized a sequential exploratory mixed methods design, involving 40

interventions. The purpose was to identify and resolve patient health problems through

effective interaction, asserting that therapeutic communication is a method of interaction

that occurs throughout the nursing process. The outcomes of such interventions are

critical for enhancing the practical skills of future healthcare professionals.

Personal Insights and Reflection

From a personal perspective, engaging with these studies on therapeutic

communication profoundly reinforces my understanding of its multifaceted nature. The

emphasis on therapeutic communication as a core clinical competency, rather than merely

a "soft skill," resonates strongly. It highlights that effective communication is a rigorous,

evidence-based discipline with measurable effects on patient well-being and outcomes .

This intellectual shift from viewing communication as innate to seeing it as a trainable

skill is crucial for fostering self-awareness and professional growth in student nurses. It

transforms perceived weaknesses in communication into opportunities for deliberate

practice and refinement. This experience fosters self-awareness by encouraging reflection

on one's current communication patterns and identifying areas for improvement

For nursing students, this journal reading underscores the imperative of mastering

therapeutic communication from the outset of their education. It moves beyond rote

memorization of communication techniques to an understanding of the underlying ethical

and psychological principles, such as those outlined by Hildegard Peplau's interpersonal

relations theory. This fosters a deeper appreciation for patient-centered care and the

development of empathy, which can be cultivated through experiential learning and

reflective practice. The concept of a therapeutic alliance, where patient and clinician

collaborate, is not just an ideal but a practical framework for successful treatment.
Understanding these dynamics empowers students to approach clinical encounters with

greater confidence and purpose, mitigating the anxiety often associated with patient

interaction

For faculty, these insights emphasize the need for innovative pedagogical

approaches in nursing education. Traditional methods may not sufficiently address the

gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application, leading to less effective

interactions. Implementing diverse teaching strategies, such as simulation with

standardized patients, can provide safe environments for students to practice and refine

their therapeutic communication skills. Furthermore, integrating structured reflection, as

investigated in various studies, can help students critically analyze their experiences and

learn from them, thereby promoting deeper understanding and skill integration. The goal

is to move students from passive learners to active participants in their professional

development

In the broader nursing profession, the emphasis on therapeutic communication

highlights the ongoing need for continuous professional development and training. Even

experienced nurses can benefit from programs designed to enhance communication,

particularly in specialized areas like caring for patients with hematology or those who are

victims of violence. Effective communication is directly linked to patient satisfaction and

adherence to treatment, thereby improving overall quality of care. The profession must

also address systemic barriers to effective communication, such as workload and time

constraints, which can hinder the ability of nurses to engage in meaningful therapeutic

interactions

For nursing research, these readings indicate several avenues for future inquiry.

There is a continuous need for rigorous studies, particularly mixed-methods and

longitudinal designs, to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of various communication

explore the nuances of communication in diverse cultural contexts and with specific

patient populations, such as pediatric patients or those in emergency settings.

Investigating the impact of digital health technologies and telenursing on communication

skills also remains a critical area.

In nursing practice, the application of therapeutic communication is paramount for

patient-centered care. It is the conduit through which nurses build trust, convey empathy,

and gather essential information to provide holistic care. For example, in emergency

settings, therapeutic communication can significantly reduce patient anxiety and improve

coping mechanisms. Nurses' ability to establish rapport and create a safe environment

through communication is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations such as violence

victims. Ultimately, strong therapeutic communication enhances the therapeutic

relationship and positively impacts patient satisfaction with healthcare services

Finally, for the community and society, the promotion of therapeutic

communication in nursing education and practice has far-reaching benefits. When nurses

are proficient communicators, healthcare becomes more humanized, responsive, and

effective. It fosters a healthcare environment where patients feel heard, respected, and

actively involved in their care decisions. This can lead to increased patient engagement,

better adherence to treatment plans, and improved public trust in healthcare providers.

Effective communication also contributes to reducing health disparities by ensuring that

all individuals, regardless of their background, receive equitable and high-quality care,

reflecting a commitment to epistemic justice where patients are recognized as credible

knowers of their own experiences .

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Original journal/research source:

[Link]